[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING LaFARGE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

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                               speech of

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend Lafarge Construction Materials on their exceptional 
contribution as a corporate member of the Golden community.
  Lafarge West operates the Specification Aggregates Quarry on Colfax 
Avenue in Golden, Colorado. I am proud to serve Golden as their 
Congressman, especially after watching this tremendous effort put forth 
by all parties involved to create a win-win situation for Lafarge, the 
city of Golden, concerned environmental groups and, of course, the 
citizens of Jefferson County.
  In fact, I recently received a letter from the mayor of Golden, 
Charles Baroch where he said, ``Lafarge has for many years been a good 
neighbor, being very concerned about the impact of the mine and 
crushing plant on the neighborhood. Lafarge listens to citizens 
concerns and takes action to correct the problem. Most everyone in 
Golden is proud to have this business a part of Golden.''
  The partnership began when Lafarge realized it's basic need to 
increase the reserves of the quarry to serve the growing Denver market. 
A market, I hope, that will be even stronger soon with the passage of a 
new transportation re-authorization bill.
  So, in the spirit of cooperation, Lafarge began a 2-year process of 
meeting with local citizens, businesses, community leaders and 
environmental groups to learn what concerns may be out there regarding 
a quarry expansion. In the end, after many presentations, many meetings 
and many late nights, they did find that win-win solution. Scott Gudahl 
put it simply when he said, ``We kept addressing expectations and 
concerns until there were none left--and that's what you basically have 
in the final proposal.''
  That final proposal was an innovative land swap. The quarry will be 
able to expand by 60 acres and Jefferson County will receive more than 
500 acres of added scenic open space. Even the quarry itself, once 
reclaimed, will be donated as additional open space for the enjoyment 
of Jefferson County citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, you know as well as I that all too often, good honest 
businesses are painted with unfair labels by those who do not 
understand the process of making the roads and highways that keep our 
economy moving. I applaud the people at Lafarge for putting forth the 
extra effort not only to create a better company, but also create a 
better community. I am proud of their efforts and I am proud to 
represent their employees in this Congress.

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